Purchasing Manager

Red River Commodities Inc; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Red River Commodities Inc. is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement of packaging materials and ingredients for manufacturing.

You will develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and guide a three-person team to ensure timely, cost-effective procurement while upholding quality and compliance. The ideal candidate will have strong negotiation skills and experience with domestic and international suppliers in a manufacturing setting, driving continuous

Qualifications

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Procurement, or related field.
• 2+ years of progressive procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience.
• Proven supplier negotiation and contract management experience.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for packaging materials and ingredients.
• Evaluate market conditions, pricing trends, and supplier capabilities to support decisions.
• Lead supplier selection, RFQs, bids, and contract negotiations.
• Manage a team of three purchasing professionals and monitor KPIs.
• Ensure on-time procurement, inventory alignment, and compliance with policies.

Skills

Procurement strategy

Negotiation

Supplier relationship mgmt

Team leadership

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Red River Commodities is a leading processor of sunflower seeds and specialty grains, specializing in high-quality, nutritious food products. We pride ourselves on our sustainable practices, innovation, and commitment to delivering superior products to our customers. Our team shares core values focused on quality, innovation, responsibility, and community. We work hard, play harder, embrace authenticity, and always support one another to achieve our goals.

Location: 501 42nd St N, Fargo, ND 58102

Position Summary

Red River Commodities is seeking an experienced and strategic Purchasing Manager to lead the procurement of domestic and imported packaging materials and ingredients that support our manufacturing and production operations. This role is responsible for developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, leading a team of purchasing professionals, and ensuring the timely, cost-effective procurement of materials while maintaining the highest standards of quality, service, compliance, and supply continuity.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong procurement expertise, negotiation skills, and experience managing global and domestic suppliers in a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Strategy & Category Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for packaging materials, ingredients, and other assigned categories.
• Evaluate market conditions, supplier capabilities, pricing trends, and supply risks to support strategic purchasing decisions.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase supply chain efficiency.
• Lead supplier selection processes including RFQs, bids, and contract negotiations.
• Develop contingency plans to minimize supply disruptions and maintain business continuity.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, service agreements, and supply contracts.
• Monitor supplier performance through key metrics including quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.
• Collaborate with suppliers to identify continuous improvement and innovation opportunities.
• Conduct supplier reviews and lead corrective actions when performance expectations are not met.

Purchasing & Inventory Management

• Ensure timely procurement of materials to support production schedules and customer demand.
• Review inventory levels, forecasts, and demand plans to optimize purchasing decisions.
• Approve purchase orders and oversee purchasing activities performed by the procurement team.
• Monitor lead times and proactively address material shortages or supply risks.
• Work closely with Demand Planning, Operations, Quality, Logistics, and Sales teams to ensure alignment on material requirements.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of three purchasing professionals.
• Establish goals, priorities, and performance expectations for direct reports.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance on supplier negotiations, purchasing decisions, and procurement best practices.
• Support succession planning and employee development within the purchasing function.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, food safety requirements, regulatory standards, and import/export regulations.
• Manage supplier documentation, contracts, certifications, and records.
• Monitor procurement KPIs including cost savings, service levels, supplier performance, inventory turns, and on-time delivery.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for leadership regarding sourcing strategies and procurement performance.
• Assess supplier and market risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Qualifications

Required

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Procurement, or related work experience.
• 2+ years of progressive procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience.
• Proven supplier negotiation and contract management experience.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.